Hello. I’m planning a two week trip for June 2024. We would like to spend one week in Greece (Athens for 3 days and then Santorini or Naxos for 4 days). For the second week we had originally planned to go to Croatia but are considering Montenegro instead (possibly flying in and out of Dubrovnik). From what we’ve read, it will be less crowded and equally beautiful. We will be coming from the West Coast and I’m struggling with the most efficient travel plan for visiting both countries. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Chico, CA USA
207 posts
Personally, I would choose one or the other and get a little deeper.
But, this is possible. There are a few non-stop flights from Athens to Dubrovnik. But no matter what that is going to be a long travel segment.
Frankly, getting all the way out to those islands from Athens, back to Athens airport to fly to Dubrovnik, and then what? Fly home from there or return to Athens?
The center of Athens and its airport are kind of far apart so you have to build in time for getting to and from those places.
FWIW, I have been to Greece five times, each time for at least one month and have covered maybe half of what I would like to eventually see. To a lesser extent, the same goes for Croatia and Montenegro and there are still countless places I've not made it to, yet.
Posted by
4384 posts
Are you looking for coast or mountains? Montenegro really excels at the latter, but I think Croatia has an edge on the former.
I'd really pick one or the other though--you lose too much time getting from one to the other when you could do one in a better fashion.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17927 posts
I did Montenegro (3rd trip) with Greece (2nd trip) a few years ago. WORKED WELL. I'm not a huge fan of Greece, dud it for my daughter, but I love Montenegro .... the mountains and the coast. Rather do Montenegro than Croatia in a heartbeat.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17927 posts
This person can plan it for you, or can build a turn key tour and everything in between.
Dijana Krkotic
Executive director
Doclea Tours
Address: Bulevar Sv. Petra
Cetinjskog br. 79
81 000 Podgorica
Phone: +382 20 675 197
Mob: +382 69 277 749
E-mail:dijana@docleatravel.com
www.docleatravel.com
Posted by
TX, USA
4085 posts
I am going to add to Mister É’s recommendation for Dijana for Montenegro, if you want someone to plan for you. I recently finished 2 weeks in Montenegro planned by her and saw things I didn’t know I wanted to see (but I did). I am pretty independent, but she booked me a rental car and some places to stay that were exactly the sort that I like. Gave me things to see between destinations, booked me some guided tours where that was the best, and gave me good restaurant recommendations. Although she definitely plans longer trips like mine, her first choice is a one week trip with you telling her what your focus is (nature, coastline, mountains, history, adventure, active, etc.) The cost for her work was VERY reasonable and the rest was just what it cost (hotel, car rental, etc.).
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17927 posts
I've sent her business for years, always good reports. Well one tourist had an issue with a confused driver. But I'd say 90% success on a half dozen reports I've gotten. Its not the easiest place to do solo due to limited transportation, so I suspect it was money well spent.